JOANA MIRANDA STUDIO

In my dream world, I would illustrate with a Pilot Namiki Fountain Pen or a Montblanc 149 Meisterstuck Flex Nib Fountain Pen. Both are high end, luxury fountain pens with flexible nibs. Unfortunately, that dream world would necessitate endless reserves of cash. Needless to say, an endless reserve of cash is definitely not part of my current pandemic lifestyle (nor do I ever expect it to be!) So, I’m actually quite delighted to have settled upon using my Noodler’s Ahab Fountain Pen.

The Benefits of a Noodler’s Ahab Fountain Pen…

Include that:

1. It’s inexpensive (between $20 and $30)
2. It has a flexible nib which is great for line variation
3. It can be refilled (I used DeAtrementis Document Inks)

Here’s an example of an illustration I did with my Noodler’s Fountain Pen:

(Dedicated to my mom – A Most Entertaining Subject)

And here’s how I service my pen:

By the way…

I think there’s something to be said for creating art and illustrations from everyday supplies. Naturally, the illustrators that I admire the most – like Quentin Blake and Fred Blunt – create art that looks spontaneous, fresh and unplanned.

In my own illustrations, I strive to let my hands do the thinking. And when I’m in a state of flow, my inner critic recedes into the background and the drawing process becomes almost like a meditation. Of course, not every drawing is a success. However, I know that each illustration will serve as a stepping stone on my own path towards a freer style. (Or, at least that’s the hope!)

Remember…

Creativity takes courage.

Henri Matisse